🌱 Filipino Freedom Fest Orlando June 11-12 + New SeaWorld Coaster

Hello, friends! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Orlando Daily. Here's all the community news you need to know right now...

First, today's weather:

Warmer; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 89 Low: 74.

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Here are the top five stories in Orlando today:

1. Orlando residents are invited to join in celebrating Philippines Independence Day on Saturday, June 11 and 12 from 4-8 p.m. at East End Market, for the Filipino Freedom Fest. The event will feature live music and performances, artists, apparel and plant vendors, kid crafting activities, and food trucks. (Bungalower)

2. SeaWorld Orlando has announced a new rollercoaster opening in 2023 called High Surf Advisory. The theme park released several photos of the new attraction. More details are expected in the next few months. (WESH)

3. Hundreds of racers and walkers participated in the 6th annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run to remember the lives lost in the Pulse tragedy on Saturday. As the racers made their way along the 4.9K course, many took a moment to stop at the Pulse interim memorial site and remember the 49 lives lost in the tragic shooting. (Click Orlando)

4. The Lake County board of commissioners held a special ceremony on Thursday to honor America's freedom. A "Liberty Tree" was planted outside a tax collector's office in Clermont. It is expected to become an annual tradition. (WFTV)

5. Seminole County Sheriff's Office says deputies responded to the Thirsty Whale on Lake Emma Road in Lake Mary Saturday at around 2 a.m. to investigate a bar fight that led to a stabbing incident. Florida man, Kenneth Bradford Parvu, is now facing charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after deputies say he stabbed multiple people at the bar while intoxicated. (Fox 35 Orlando)

Today in Orlando:

• 2022 Special Olympics USA Games - Opening Ceremony at Exploria Stadium. (9 a.m.)
• Love Wins - Self-Love Workshop For Teens at The Center. (noon)
• Bank Of America Museums On Us Weekend at Mennello Museum Of American Art. (noon)
• Acrylic Painting For All Levels With Joe Yakovetic - three sessions at Harry P. Leu Gardens. (1 p.m.)
• Back To The 80s Music Bingo at Bloodhound Brew. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• A new Orange County program will focus on keeping people out of jail and instead getting them into mental health services. In February, a Heart of Florida United Way audit of mental health services exposed a $49.7 million gap between the services that were available to residents and the services that were needed. (Click Orlando)
• Governor Ron DeSantis was met with protesters in Orlando on Thursday night when he took part in an event at The Plaza Live. State Rep. Anna Eskamani of Central Florida spoke to a crowd outside the event, which barred press from attending. (Orlando Weekly)
• Albert Gonzalez Jr., 36, was shot and killed on May 27 at a mobile home park on E. 13th St. in Apopka. Orange County detectives are looking for help finding the people responsible. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information. (Twitter)
• A fire broke out at a Red Robin restaurant in Orlando, damaging the building on Thursday at around 5 p.m. The Orlando Fire Department responded to the restaurant on South Semoran Boulevard in Lee Vista Promenade. (Click Orlando)

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That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com